The Rice Diet, sometimes called the Duke Rice Diet, in honor of the university where it was created, attempts to help people lose weight with meals rich in healthy carbohydrates. As part of the program, the Duke Rice Diet stresses high-fiber fruits, vegetables and grains, while avoiding salt and excessive fat.
History
Duke University medical researcher Walter Kempner first developed a rice diet in 1939 when he noticed that nations that consumed rice on a regular basis tended to have less hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and problems with obesity. Duke University used the Duke Rice Diet for intensive two to four week programs to treat individuals suffering from obesity, diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease, with the entire process conducted under medical supervision. Kempner's work inspired Kitty Rosati, Duke Rice Diet Program dietitian, and Robert Rosati, director of the Duke Rice Diet Program, to write the book, "The Rice Diet Solution," which adapted the Duke Rice Diet Program for use at home.
Function
The Duke Rice Diet restricts calories and focuses on high-fiber foods and good carbohydrates to lose weight. The diet divides foods into four main categories: starches, fruits, vegetables and dairy. The diet plans menus around those four groups, suggesting a set amount for each meal. For instance, dieters would be allowed two starches for breakfast. According to the Rice Diet, one starch would be equal to one slice of bread, 1/3 cup rice or 1/2 cup pasta; one fruit would be worth one medium-sized fruit, one-half banana or 1 cup of sliced fruit; one vegetable would be worth 1 cup uncooked or 1/2 cup cooked; and one dairy would equal 1 cup milk, 1 cup yogurt or 1/2 cup cottage cheese.
Features
Despite its name, the Duke Rice Diet features more than 30 food items and not just varieties of rice. A sample menu on the Rice Diet would include a breakfast with one serving each of starch, non-fat dairy and fruit. Lunch and dinner would each include three starches, three vegetables and one fruit. As the diet progresses, dieters may add fish and lean meats for additional protein.
Considerations
The Rice Diet limits individuals to only 150mg sodium per day, because salt absorbs water, causing the body to swell and retain weight. The diet also allows just 5g fat and around 20g protein each day. Many dieters may find these recommendations far too restrictive, limiting the Rice Diet's effectiveness.
Misconceptions
The Rice Diet should not be confused for a fad diet. Unlike some of its counterparts, the Duke Rice Diet has a long history of medical research and studies from Duke University to support its claims. The Duke Rice Diet Program still operates in Durham, N.C., offering classes, groups and workshops to support weight loss and improved overall health.
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